Question from a reader:
How is a violent criminal defined? For example, in the case of robbery, if someone threatens to take money without causing direct physical harm to others, I don’t think there is direct bodily harm involved. However, while groping and shoplifting may be considered lesser crimes than robbery, I feel that the act of verbally abusing and hitting
a store employee who tries to apprehend the shoplifter is more heinous. How should we think about these points?
Definition of Violent Criminals and Their Diversity
A violent criminal is generally defined as someone who commits serious crimes that pose significant danger to others. However, this definition is not uniform, and various interpretations exist from legal, psychological, and ethical perspectives. In legal terms, the definition varies depending on the nature and consequences of the crime, with acts such as robbery, groping, and shoplifting being treated under different legal frameworks. Robbery is typically defined as the act of taking property from another through threats or violence, and even if there is no direct physical harm, the act itself is often considered violent. On the other hand, crimes such as groping or shoplifting are seen as having less direct physical harm to others, but their heinousness can increase depending on the circumstances. For example, using violence against a store employee who attempts to apprehend a shoplifter, resulting in serious injury, clearly demonstrates heinous behavior. Thus, the severity of a crime can change not only based on the act itself but also on the outcomes and situations surrounding it, making simple classifications difficult.
Analysis of Legal Background
The legal definition of a violent criminal depends on the criminal laws of each country and local jurisdictions. In Japan’s Penal Code, “robbery” is defined in Article 236 as “the act of unlawfully taking another’s property by using threats or violence.” In contrast, groping and shoplifting are defined under different laws, often related to minor offenses. Thus, the severity of a crime is evaluated based on standards set by law, and the determination of heinousness is also based on legal frameworks. From a legal perspective, many factors are involved in defining violent criminals. For instance, even within the same robbery, the degree of violence used, the number of victims, and the scale of harm can change its heinousness. As a specific case study, there are instances where a robber who used a weapon was given a severe sentence, while another who committed robbery through threats alone received a lighter punishment. In this way, the specific content of criminal acts and their backgrounds influence legal judgments.
Consideration of Psychological Aspects
The psychological aspects of criminal behavior are also crucial for understanding the concept of violent criminals. Violent criminals often disregard social norms and ethics and tend to lack empathy for others. Research has shown that individuals who commit violent crimes often exhibit specific psychological traits. For example, people with antisocial personality disorder tend to have a low ability to understand others’ emotions and are more likely to engage in self-centered behavior. Such psychological traits are considered one of the causes leading to violent crimes. Additionally, environmental factors and upbringing significantly influence this. For instance, domestic violence, poverty, and lack of education can create a breeding ground for violent criminals. In an actual case, a violent criminal justified their actions as “rebellion against society.” By blaming external factors for their behavior, they can alleviate psychological burdens and sometimes lead to violent crime.
Ethical Considerations and Social Responsibility
Ethical considerations regarding violent criminals are also important. The background of violent crimes often involves social inequality and lack of education. This raises the question of how society as a whole should take responsibility. To prevent crime, enhancing education and welfare is essential, and it requires a collective effort from society. Moreover, the entertainment industry also produces many contents that deal with violent crimes. The way these works depict crime can have a significant impact on society. For instance, it has been pointed out that movies or games with violent depictions may unconsciously influence viewers to condone violence. The industry is called to establish ethical guidelines in content production to avoid glorifying crime.
Behavioral Approach to Crime Prevention
To prevent criminal behavior, a behavioral approach is also important. Understanding the behavior of criminals and implementing preventive measures is necessary. Specifically, it is considered effective to eliminate factors that lead to crime through educational programs and community activities. In particular, crime prevention education aimed at younger generations is expected to contribute to a decrease in future violent crimes. Additionally, providing psychological support can help prevent recidivism among criminals. Through rehabilitation programs, it is important for criminals to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for reintegration into society.
Practical Advice
To deepen the understanding of crime, it is important to pay attention to the following points: 1. Understand the diversity of crime: The definition of violent criminals is diverse, and it is necessary to consider the background and circumstances of the acts. It is important to clearly understand the differences among types of crimes and have legal knowledge. 2. Consider psychological aspects: Psychological factors exist behind criminal behavior. Incorporating psychological perspectives can be effective in understanding the behavior of criminals. 3. Fulfill social responsibility: In the entertainment industry, it is important to be aware of social responsibility and strive for ethical content production. 4. Participate in education and community: Education is essential for crime prevention. It is necessary to engage in the community and contribute to crime prevention activities.
Conclusion
The definition of violent criminals is multifaceted, requiring consideration from legal, psychological, and ethical perspectives. While it is difficult to simply classify criminal behavior, having diverse viewpoints can illuminate a path for society as a whole to address crime. In the entertainment industry, understanding its influence and fulfilling social responsibility is also required. Finally, I would like to invite readers to share their opinions and experiences on this topic. Discussion is essential for deepening understanding of crime, and incorporating multiple perspectives is important. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
